What is comitatenses?

Comitatenses were a type of late Roman infantry soldier who served as part of the mobile field army during the Late Roman Empire. They were initially elite troops that were stationed in the imperial court or as palace guards, but eventually became an integral part of the Roman army.

Comitatenses were typically well-trained and well-equipped soldiers, often equipped with swords, spears, bows, and shields. They were known for their mobility and ability to adapt to different combat situations, making them highly effective in battle.

Comitatenses were organized into units known as comitatus, which were led by a comes, or count. These units could vary in size from a few hundred to several thousand soldiers, depending on the needs of the army.

Comitatenses played a crucial role in defending the Roman Empire against external threats, such as invading barbarian tribes and other enemies. They were often deployed to the frontiers of the empire to protect against incursions and to maintain stability in the border regions.

Overall, comitatenses were an important part of the Roman military forces during the Late Roman Empire, and their effectiveness in battle contributed to the Empire's ability to withstand external threats for as long as it did.